Salford Council Unveils Net-Zero EV Refuse Truck

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Net Zero News can reveal that Salford City Council has taken delivery of its first all-electric refuse collection vehicle, marking a new chapter in its efforts to decarbonise local services. The 27-tonne Mercedes-Benz eEconic entered service in Salford on 18 November 2025.

The eEconic model is the fully electric variant of Mercedes-Benz’s low-entry refuse collection range. Developed to replace conventional diesel-powered vehicles, the eEconic offers a battery capacity designed to meet the requirements of a typical municipal waste collection route. Net Zero News understands that this vehicle will operate on shifts covering residential and commercial waste rounds across the city, providing a test bed for the council’s broader fleet electrification strategy.

In a significant step towards the UK’s net-zero goals, Salford joins a growing number of local authorities adopting zero-emission waste fleets. The move aligns with the council’s ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its operations and improve air quality in the Greater Manchester area. Vehicle emissions from refuse collection have been identified nationally as a source of localised pollution and carbon output, making the replacement of diesel vehicles an important strategic priority.

Net Zero News understands this forms part of Salford City Council’s wider plan to transition its refuse and recycling services to low-emission alternatives. The eEconic is equipped with a direct-drive electric motor and modular battery packs, delivering sufficient range to complete daily routes without the need for mid-route charging. This technology is already in operation in several European cities and represents a proven solution for UK councils seeking to decarbonise heavy-duty vehicles.

The introduction of the eEconic is expected to yield immediate environmental benefits. Zero tailpipe emissions will directly reduce particulate matter and nitrogen oxide levels in streets across Salford, supporting public health objectives. Net Zero News analyses indicate that, over its service life, a single electric refuse collection vehicle could cut CO2 emissions by up to several hundred tonnes compared with a diesel counterpart, depending on usage patterns and grid carbon intensity.

Salford City Council led the procurement process for this vehicle and worked closely with Mercedes-Benz Truck & Bus UK, the appointed supplier. Net Zero News understands the council evaluated total cost of ownership over a projected ten-year period, factoring in lower maintenance requirements and the absence of fuel purchases. The acquisition builds on financing from the council’s capital programme, supplemented by fleet decarbonisation grants available at a national level.

While this announcement focuses on a single RCV, it arrives against the backdrop of central government policy that seeks to accelerate the uptake of zero-emission commercial vehicles. The UK’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan, published in 2021, set out an ambition for all newly purchased municipal vehicles to be effectively zero emission by 2035 where possible. Salford’s latest addition demonstrates local authorities’ growing responsiveness to these targets.

Net Zero News can confirm that the council’s roll-out of electric collection vehicles supports the wider Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s climate strategy, which includes a target to halve transport emissions by 2030. Local policy frameworks are increasingly emphasising electrification of public sector fleets as a cost-effective and visible measure to drive down carbon and improve urban air quality.

For the community and waste management industry, the deployment of battery-electric RCVs brings both benefits and challenges. Residents will experience quieter collection services and cleaner air, while crews adapt to the operational differences of electric drivetrains. The council will need to ensure sufficient depot charging infrastructure and training for maintenance staff to manage high-voltage systems safely.

Salford City Council plans to monitor the performance of the Mercedes-Benz eEconic closely, with data on energy consumption, uptime and route coverage informing future fleet decisions. Should the vehicle meet expectations, Net Zero News understands the council may pursue further orders to replace ageing diesel trucks, advancing its net-zero trajectory.

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